7 November 2009

I agree with the letter ‘Unreasonable Hikes’ (KT, November 5), on the increase in school fees. Rating schools as satisfactory and unsatisfactory and approving a fee hike based on that rating by itself is ethically questionable. Education is a need and not a luxury. It is not a commodity to be bought, based on affordability. Steps should be taken to set the unsatisfactory schools right and a marginal and uniform increase of fee can be allowed for all schools. Every child, irrespective of his monetary status, deserves quality education.
Latha Narasimhan, Sharjah

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• It’s true that the cost of education has been increasing the world over. One important aspect is to see cost on par with benefit. How many institutions follow this? In the name of loss arising out of mismanagement, it is parents who are being taxed. From service, education is now becoming a profit-making industry.

The backbone of any school is its teachers. How are the hikes going to benefit them? At a time of recession, no one can justify the fee hikes.
Ajithkumar, Dubai

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• This is in response to the report on fee increase. Two of my daughters are studying in a GEMS school. Before hiking the fees, I suggest the GEMS management conducts a survey among parents about the education standards. If at least 40 per cent favours an increase, then we will accept the hike.

First of all, the group should bring in experienced teachers who provide systematic education. Education does not mean just speaking good English. An all round development of the child should be the aim.

7 November 2009

Apropos the news, ‘Dubai on Track to Become Global Logistics Leader’, (KT, Business, November 4), I agree that boosting logistical infrastructure is the key to ‘trade’ success, and Dubai is wisely treading on the right path,. However, the postal logistics is yet to come of age.

‘PO Box’ dependent mail receipt system is a huge impediment to quick business. Delivery of the mail at the doorstep or at a central collection box in the office/apartment blocks would make life easier for one and all. In the past, I have missed two important registered post notifications due to the late clearance of the common PO Box.

Informing the addressee by SMS whenever a registered post notification is dispatched would fix this problem. Service providers (DEWA/ etisalat /du) can stop sending print mails, as SMS notifications followed by e-mail statements would save huge postal expense and add to the eco-friendly drive.

7 November 2009

The news, ‘Clinton Tries to Calm Arab Anger’ (KT, November 3), is just a US drama. The Arab world has to solve the problem on its own by taking a unified stand. Or else, there is no hope for the Middle East. The Arab countries have to join together and make a united military command centre.

7 November 2009

Living in Al Nahda area of Sharjah, we too pay Municipal charges, as per our SEWA bills. These charges seem to be futile since the streets are dirty, garbage bins are not cleared on time and there are no street lights (though some poles with lights have been fitted almost two years ago). We understand the shortage of power in Sharjah, but the rates have been increased by 50 per cent. But at least we could be saved from Municipal services which are not provided to us. This is money taken away from us for no added service in areas like Post Office, Health Centre or even a SEWA bill collection office.

Adding to this is the grave shortage of parking. Some cops come down at 3am to write fines. This is just a money-making exercise as there is no obstruction to traffic at that time. People do not purposely park in doubles at night if they can find parking slots easily. So, the police should have a heart before marking fines.

7 November 2009

I am excited that the first batch of medicines for H1N1 virus will be arriving in the UAE, early next week. The news may end the panic situation which has been haunting the public for the past six months.
We expect the medicine to reach Oman, too, soon.